James K. Provo

James K. Provo, age 70, of 1612 Stephenson Avenue in Escanaba, passed away Friday, May 3, 2019 at home surrounded by family, following a 2-year courageous battle with cancer. He was born on July 24, 1948 in Escanaba, the son of Ovid and Ethel (Hill) Provo. James was raised in Escanaba and was a 1967 graduate of Escanaba High School. James married the former Linda Bydalek on June 3, 1967 and she preceded him in death on April 7, 1988. Together, the couple shared 20 years of marriage and raised 3 children. James later married the former JoAnn Hendrickson DeMars on June 29, 1996 and together shared nearly 23 years of marriage. He began his working career with the American Fence Company, then with Eaton Corporation, and later Harnischfeger Corporation. James was employed for Mead Paper Company for 39 years as a millwright carpenter until his retirement in 2008. Following retirement, he and JoAnn enjoyed spending time at their cottage on Stella Lake and wintering in Parker and Hillcrest Bay in Arizona. James found joy in spending time outdoors hunting and also playing golf. He took great pride in maintaining the road around Stella Lake for many years. James was loved by all who knew him and could put a smile on anyone’s face.

James K. Provo is survived by his wife, JoAnn Provo of Escanaba; 2 sons, Charles (Raquel) Provo of Escanaba, and Douglas (Theresa) Provo of Minneapolis, MN; 2 daughters, Karen (Andy) Guth of New Franken, WI, and Melissa Sheedlo of De Pere, WI; 7 grandchildren, Joe Nelson, Nick Nelson, Ashley Provo, Jake Guth, Alex Guth, Nathan Fuson, and Katie Fuson; 4 great-grandchildren, Bella Nelson, Hailey Schultz, Bailee Schultz, and Nick Schultz; 1 sister, Betty Carrino of Cleveland, OH, 2 brothers, Gary Provo of Escanaba, and Donald “Butch” (Sue) Provo of Louisiana; and many nieces and nephews.

In addition to his parents and first wife, James was preceded in death by 4 brothers, Bob, Bud, Ed, and Ovid, Jr.; 2 sisters, Marlene, and June; and mothers and fathers-in-law, Ray and Betty Bydalek, and Lloyd and Laverne Hendrickson.

Visitation will be held from 2:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m., Thursday, May 9, 2019 at the Anderson Funeral Home in Escanaba. Funeral services celebrating the life of James will follow at 5:30 p.m., Thursday, in the Anderson Funeral Home Chapel with Deacon Mike LeBeau officiating. A luncheon will follow at the conclusion of the services at Christ the King Lutheran Church fellowship hall. Burial will take place in Gardens of Rest Cemetery. In honor of James, the Provo family asks everyone to please wear flannel shirts and blue jeans. 

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